So, you have a table to ship, but you’re unsure about the next steps.
How do you pack it?
What about the fragile top?
What if it gets chipped?
These are all legitimate questions.
Here’s the good news—all the answers live on this page. We ship heavy and bulky items for a living, so we know a thing or two about shipping tables—big or small, coffee or dining. And it’s not as complicated as you might think—as long as you have a solid plan.
We’ve split that plan into 13 easy-to-follow steps below.
PRO TIP: If you sell tables or other large products online, partnering with a 3PL that specializes in big, heavy, and bulky fulfillment—like Red Stag Fulfillment—can save you money (especially on shipping surcharges for large items) and let you focus on what really moves the needle in your business.
To learn more about how we can handle the heavy lifting of your fulfillment operations, reach out today.
How to ship a table in 13 steps
Shipping furniture safely requires careful planning and attention to detail.
Follow the steps below so your table arrives at its destination undamaged and ready to use.
Learn the risks of shipping furniture
01
To minimize the risk of transport damage, it’s helpful to understand how it happens.
How tables usually get damaged in transport
The box is compromised under the weight of other packages
The packaged table is dropped in transit
The table is exposed to moisture
Transport vibration loosens the joints
Specifics of your table—can it be disassembled?
If you can disassemble the table, you’re in luck. It will be easier to pack and cost less to ship.
If it’s fragile and can’t be disassembled, it’s a logistical challenge. There are still simple and reliable options for shipping fragile items, but it will likely cost more.
More on this in a minute.
Clean the table thoroughly
02
Cleaning the table for shipping is not about sanitization. It’s about uncovering any defects and scratches.
Bear that in mind as you go through the steps:
01
Disassemble the table (if possible) and clean the parts separately.
02
Remove all dust with a damp microfiber or lint-free cloth.
03
Clean the surfaces with a mild detergent or a mix of soap, vinegar, and warm water.
04
Wipe it all down and pay extra attention to those stubborn, grimy spots. Be thorough but gentle, especially with wood.
05
Clean the metal parts with a degreaser to uncover any masked scratches.
06
Clean the stubborn debris out of the cracks. An old toothbrush will do—brush in gentle strokes along the crack line.
07
Remove water stains with an equal-part mix of vinegar and olive oil. Work along the grain and buff immediately with a clean cloth.
08
Use dedicated, non-abrasive cleaners for soapstone, granite, marble, and steel. Avoid anything that might scratch the surface (scrubbing pads are a common mistake).
09
Wipe the whole table dry to finalize.
PRO TIP: Be extra careful with detergents. Inspect the labels, as many contain ingredients that can harm furniture, be it wood, metal, or glass. Specifically, steer clear of ammonia and sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. If in doubt, test on a small, hidden area.
Document the current condition
03
Anytime you ship furniture, you’ll want to take photos and videos. This will be proof of its condition before shipping.
Take close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, and stains.
NOTE: Scratches might be more visible under a flash than daylight on some surfaces (like metal). Experiment with lighting and keep the clearest photos.
Measure the table (and weigh it)
04
If you can disassemble the table, measure and weigh all parts. This will help you figure out how to box and pack it.
You’ll also know whether the packaged table will exceed the size limits for parcel shipping.
More on that in step #5.
3 additional tips:
Measure the furthermost edges, but note any irregular shapes.
For curved parts (like legs), imagine straight lines and note the distance between them (illustration below). You’ll need this width if you decide to box the parts separately.
To get the total weight, weigh the table parts and add it all up. If you only have a bathroom scale, improvise—weigh yourself with and without the parts and do the math.
Understand your transport options
05
Familiarize yourself with the terms you’ll hear when shipping furniture, like parcel and freight shipping.
Size limits for parcel shipping—and what it means for tables
| Measurement | UPS | FedEx | USPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length and girth combined (inches) | 165 | 165 (130 for Express) |
108 (130 for Retail Ground, still charged as oversized) |
| Length (inches) | 108 | 108 | Girth* (Width × 2) + (Height × 2) |
| Weight (lbs) | 150 | 150 | 70 |
NOTE: Carriers typically charge based on dimensional weight rather than actual weight for tables, which is how carriers account for oversized items. You can calculate it using our dimensional weight calculator.
Parcel vs. freight shipping
If your packaged table exceeds the limits above, freight shipping services will transport it.
This means the carrier will separate it from the smaller items and likely place it in a container or onto a pallet.
The image below is a good reference—it shows the items typically transported via parcel shipping and freight, like furniture and home goods.
NOTE: Your table will likely exceed size limits (unless it’s a small dining or coffee table) and be transported via freight. This might affect your packing plans. Call your chosen carrier and get the specifics—you might not need all the bubble wrap after all.
FTL vs. LTL in freight shipping of tables
FTL and LTL stand for full truckload and less than truckload, respectively.
If you’re making and selling furniture online, you might have the volume for a full truck. If you don’t, your table will need LTL shipping.
This means it will share truck space with other oversized items.
The graph below illustrates LTL freight shipments.
White-glove furniture delivery
White-glove delivery refers to premium shipping options. It can include specialized packaging, transit guarantees, assembly, and packaging disposal.
Premier carriers offer similar options, but you might see them under a different name, like FedEx Custom Critical.
These services cost more and are probably only worth it for antique or fragile tables.
For most, LTL freight will offer enough protection for shipping furniture.
Plan the packing steps
06
If you’ve decided to pack the table yourself, a shopping trip is in order.
Packing supplies and tools you might need
| Tools | Packing Supplies | Padding Supplies |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
NOTE: You won’t need everything listed. The specifics will get clearer as you complete the next step—the planning.
Map out your table packing process
A bit of planning goes a long way, so take your time with these steps:
01
Put it all on paper. This step might seem like overkill, but it will make the packaging process much easier.
02
List all the table parts, along with their dimensions.
03
Note the total weight.
04
Draw out how the parts fit together. Aim to make the package compact with few moving parts.
05
Choose the right-sized shipping box and decide where you’ll get it from (more tips in #7 below).
06
List the supplies that align with your plan. Use the table above as a starting point.
07
List the steps and add specifics. Outline how you’ll get the table packaged and ready for shipping.
Choose the shipping box carefully
07
If your table is small enough to be shipped as a parcel, a simple shipping box will do.
Use these tips to choose the right box for your table:
- Choose a thick cardboard box.
Check that the box was made specifically for shipping. - Stay away from used boxes.
Their structural integrity will be questionable, so the risk is not worth the pennies saved. - Take your time when choosing the box size.
It should leave room for padding without too much empty space. A few inches on all sides is a good rule of thumb. - Get furniture shipping boxes from reliable suppliers like UPS or FedEx.
This way, you can be sure that the specs are accurate, especially the thickness.
PRO TIP: Consider packing your table in a mirror or TV box. These are adjustable and more forgiving of mistakes in planning and measuring. You can get them from Amazon or Home Depot. Keep in mind that these boxes might not be deep enough to pack a table into one box, so you might need two—one for the tabletop and one for the legs and other parts.
Choose the right carrier for your table
08
Some carriers are faster, and others are more flexible when it comes to size limits.
Top-tier shipping companies balance these key furniture shipping factors:
Shipping costs and fee transparency
Safety and reliability
Transport options (modes and transit times)
Guarantees and tracking
Furniture shipping costs
Determining furniture shipping costs isn’t straightforward due to multiple variables—some related to your table (size and weight) and others to the shipping service (distance and type).
To simplify things, we’ll use a reference table.
We’ll calculate and compare theoretical costs for three major carriers—UPS, FedEx, and USPS.
NOTE: These are calculated at base rates, and each carrier will offer expedited and enhanced options, which will add to the cost.
The theoretical cost of shipping a small table
For the purposes of this guide, we’ll assume you’re shipping a coffee table that weighs 30 pounds and measures 35 x 20 x 16 inches. The assumed shipping size of the packaged table is 40 x 25 x 20 inches.
UPS vs. USPS vs. FedEx—dimensional weight and cost comparison
| Carrier | Dim. weight (lbs) |
Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | 144 | $107.16 | $108.70 | $116.53 | $117.65 | $130.28 | $143.71 | $160.27 |
| FedEx | 144 | $107.25 | $108.70 | $116.76 | $117.88 | $130.53 | $144.00 | $160.59 |
| USPS | 121 | $34.35 | $38.45 | $47.90 | $170.80 | $196.40 | $221.00 | $246.60 |
Disclaimer: These tables and graphs are for reference only. Use the carrier calculators–UPS, FedEx, and USPS to get precise estimates.
So, which of the carriers is more cost-effective?
Here’s what we found after comparing furniture shipping costs:
For Zones 2–4, USPS is the cheaper option.
In Zones 5–8, UPS and FedEx will charge less.
There’s practically no cost difference between UPS and FedEx at base rates.
Note that shipping zones in the continental U.S. are numbered 2 to 8. They’re closely related to distance but not directly. To learn more, read our guide on shipping zones.
PRO TIP: If your table doesn’t meet the size limits for parcel shipping, oversized item surcharges can be substantial. Consider listing your table for shipping on aggregators like uShip and choose between the local carriers who bid for the job.
Pack the table
09
This step can make or break your table (literally). A well-packed table can withstand cross-country shipping, while poor packing can lead to damage in the first mile.
Use the steps below as guidelines:
01
Wrap the tabletop in foam sheets. Fold the edges and secure them with packing tape (avoid taping to the table surface).
02
Slide on the foam corner protectors.
03
Wrap the legs in bubble wrap and secure them with colored adhesive tape. The colored tape is optional but will make unpacking easier.
04
Lay the parts on top of each other. Add padding between them to avoid the sharp bits damaging the rest (shipping blankets will be better than air pillows here because they offer more protection for less volume).
05
Collect the screws into bags and label the bags individually. Be precise when labeling. For example, “Right front leg.”
06
Place all the screws and smaller parts into a bigger bag.
07
Arrange all the parts together for efficient use of space.
08
Wrap it all in cling film and secure it using strong adhesive tape.
09
Lift the packaged parts on the side and slide them into a box.
10
Lay the box back down.
With heavier tables, this method might not work. Step #8 above is the problematic part—cling film and tape might not be enough to keep it all in place for boxing.
If this is the case with your table, consider alternative packing methods.
It might be more practical to:
Open the box along one edge and pack the table directly into it.
Box the parts separately, and then pack it all into a bigger box for shipping.
The three methods are illustrated in the graph below.
Optional—build a shipping crate for your table(s)
If you’re making tables, you’re probably handy enough to build a crate. Use a pallet as the base, and combine foam and OSB boards for the sides. If in doubt, there’s plenty of inspiration and tutorials for building shipping crates on YouTube.
Pad the packaged table
10
With the table in the box, add padding to immobilize it and minimize the damage risks.
- Start with the bigger padding pieces to fill the major gaps.
Air pillows are the perfect first step. - Pad all sides of the table.
It should not be pressed against one side of the box. - Add the smaller padding pieces.
Use paper fill and strips of bubble wrap to close smaller gaps. - Avoid packing peanuts.
They’re handy for packing but make a mess when unpacking.
PRO TIP: If possible, get a helper to hold the box or the parts as you add padding. A second person will make the whole process much easier.
Padding serves three vital purposes when shipping furniture:
01
It’s the first line of defense if parts of the box collapse.
02
It immobilizes the table so it doesn’t suffer any damage from knocks and bumps.
03
Too much padding and empty space might allow for shifting (and damage) between the packaged parts.
Note: Optimal padding starts with choosing the correct box size. Get that part right, and packing/padding will be simple.
Seal the box well
11
With the box closed and padded, it’s ready for sealing.
Follow these steps to seal your box for safe shipping:
Close all open edges by taping in an H pattern.
Start with clear adhesive tape–it’s malleable, so you can fold it over the corners.
Double tape over the first layer using heavy-duty tape (top layer tape in the rest of the text).
The top layer of tape should be at least 3 mils thick and waterproof, with no less than 100% elongation.
Both tapes should be at least 2 inches wide.
Thickness and elongation are critical attributes when shipping large items like tables. Thickness is measured in mils or milli-inches (1/1000 of an inch), and elongation is a measure of how much the tape can stretch without breaking.
Key Takeaway: Reputable brands list these attributes for packaging tapes. Some specialized sites have tools that allow filtering by characteristics, like this tape finder tool.
Label the table
12
The packing slip should be prominent with clear and complete details about the sender and the destination.
Custom labels can lower the risk of transit damage when shipping furniture and make unpacking easier.
These might include:
More information about the package—fragile furniture item, glass inside
Handling instructions—this side up, handle with care, do not drop
Unpacking instructions
Communicate with the table recipient
13
Don’t assume the recipient will fully understand how you packaged the table, even if you add unpacking instructions.
Communicate the specifics in a call or a message.
Share your drawings and plans, and mention anything they might not expect.
This can be anything—like the foam board you added for stability, double-boxed parts, the zipper bag, triple-taped corners, etc.
Other considerations for shipping a table
When you ship furniture, you’ll want to consider a few things beyond packing and carrier selection.
Domestic and international table shipping
Shipping a table internationally adds steps to the process.
The multiple checkpoints and modes of transport also affect transit times, shipping costs, and documentation (licenses, custom bonds, invoices, and certificates of origin).
Talk to your chosen provider and plan for these extra steps.
Tracking your table
All major carriers allow you to track and monitor the table’s location.
You can check the current status, get insight into the delivery steps, or set up notifications with daily updates.
Knowing the package’s whereabouts lowers the stress of shipping furniture.
Third-party liability insurance
The carrier’s maximum declared value might be lower than your assessment of the actual value.
In this scenario, consider getting full coverage from third-party insurance.
Note: The declared value of a table is not insurance. It’s the carrier’s maximum liability, so it’s subject to limitations and affects the shipping costs.
Ship furniture without fuss
If you’re selling furniture in bulk, shipping and handling add steps and can slow down your business. The extra work and the uncertainty are major stressors, too.
Sidestep this hassle by partnering with a reliable third-party logistics (3PL) provider.
Whether you’re shipping a table, desk, or anything else, we have the experience, expertise, and infrastructure to streamline the process.
